I just finished putting together my first "custom"-ized rifle which I've named (perhaps unoriginally) "Longsword". The name is derived from Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet when he says, "Give me my long sword, ho!" I'm a huge Shakespeare fan and, I hate to admit, Romeo and Juliet is my favorite. I plan to paint LONGSWORD on the stock somewhere.
I consider this a "budget" set up relative to the amount of money I could have spent on an action, barrel, chassis, and optic/rings/base. Overall, I hope to use this rifle to skill up on mid-range (up to 600 yards) and potentially long range (600 to 1200) riflecraft toward PRS or similar competition.
The rifle in the OEM plastic stock was significantly sub-MOA at 100 yards after sight in a few months ago using Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr. but I didn't keep the target sheet, so you'll have to believe me. I really don't expect better MOA from the chassis, but I do expect far better eye relief with my scope (which is a little picky) and better follow-up shots.
Specs:
I'm extremely happy with the Savage 12FV. I do wish they came with a threaded barrel, especially given it's sold as a "varmint rifle" and it's very common to use a brake or suppressor on them. But I suppose it's only a minor inconvenience to have it threaded (once I finally found someone local who can do it for a reasonable price). The trigger on my particular 12FV was perfect out of the box - extremely light and almost surprise crisp. I dislike the little safety blade but I'm mentally treating it as if I have a 2-stage trigger.
I will be doing an unpaid and honest review of the MDT XRS chassis (which is new to market for Savage SA) in a separate post and potentially a video, but here are some pictures. I will note now that the large holes just before the butt pad in the butt stock are intended for sling cup add-ons. MDT is going to be sending the actual cups to me in a few weeks (no cost). Additionally, at least with Savage, you will need to either use MDT's magazines (which are much closer to actual AICS profile at the feed end) or slightly modify the PMAG so it doesn't make contact with the bottom of the action. I just found a few MDT 10-round magazines on eBay with Savage branding on them for $30 each, so I hit 'Buy It Now'. One critical flaw of this chassis is installing the magazine is difficult (it's too tight).
I consider this a "budget" set up relative to the amount of money I could have spent on an action, barrel, chassis, and optic/rings/base. Overall, I hope to use this rifle to skill up on mid-range (up to 600 yards) and potentially long range (600 to 1200) riflecraft toward PRS or similar competition.
The rifle in the OEM plastic stock was significantly sub-MOA at 100 yards after sight in a few months ago using Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr. but I didn't keep the target sheet, so you'll have to believe me. I really don't expect better MOA from the chassis, but I do expect far better eye relief with my scope (which is a little picky) and better follow-up shots.
Specs:
- Savage 12FV with 26" barrel chambered for .308 Winchester ($340 - $70 MIB) - barrel is presently being threaded
- Savage Tactical Bolt Knob for 10/110 ($25) - the OEM bolt knob was larger than normal, but this tactical one makes operating the bolt blindly very easy
- VG6 Precision Gamma 762 Muzzle Brake ($55) - not yet installed, waiting for barrel to be threaded
- MDT XRS Chassis for Savage SA ($500) - overall a good value with a few quirks to be aware of
- MDT Savage-branded 10-round Magazines ($30 each) - 5-round PMAG is pictured
- Weaver 20 MOA Extended Scope Base ($20) - made in USA, zero difference I can tell from a $100 Seekins I have on my Bergara
- Nikon Black FX1000 6-24x50 30MM FFP IL ($490) - price is brand new, not a refurb
- Nikon Black Single Piece Medium 30MM Mount ($150) - a little too high on a bolt action, but solid as granite
- Nikon Switchview 30mm Throw Lever ($50) - overpriced by about $25 at least, but it says Nikon on it so...
- Nikon "Competition Grade" Bubble Level ($30) - haven't bothered installing this yet since I got it after the scope was mounted
- CVLife Bi-Pod ($19)
TOTAL: ~$1,600 -- so approximately $600 over budget
I'm extremely happy with the Savage 12FV. I do wish they came with a threaded barrel, especially given it's sold as a "varmint rifle" and it's very common to use a brake or suppressor on them. But I suppose it's only a minor inconvenience to have it threaded (once I finally found someone local who can do it for a reasonable price). The trigger on my particular 12FV was perfect out of the box - extremely light and almost surprise crisp. I dislike the little safety blade but I'm mentally treating it as if I have a 2-stage trigger.
I will be doing an unpaid and honest review of the MDT XRS chassis (which is new to market for Savage SA) in a separate post and potentially a video, but here are some pictures. I will note now that the large holes just before the butt pad in the butt stock are intended for sling cup add-ons. MDT is going to be sending the actual cups to me in a few weeks (no cost). Additionally, at least with Savage, you will need to either use MDT's magazines (which are much closer to actual AICS profile at the feed end) or slightly modify the PMAG so it doesn't make contact with the bottom of the action. I just found a few MDT 10-round magazines on eBay with Savage branding on them for $30 each, so I hit 'Buy It Now'. One critical flaw of this chassis is installing the magazine is difficult (it's too tight).
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